Greeks warned to expect power cuts during strike

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greeks have been warned to expect brief power cuts as workers at the Public Power Corporation go on strike to protest government plans to sell part of the company.

The power distribution agency said Thursday that any power cuts would last no more than one hour. No major problems had been reported by mid-morning. A telephone hotline was set up for consumers to check when their areas might experience power cuts.

Public Power Corporation unions have vowed rolling 48-hour walkouts starting Thursday, arguing that electricity is a vital commodity that should stay under state control.

The conservative-led coalition government insists it will carry out the sale, which is among demands by the financially stricken country's international creditors. It is threatening to force strikers back to work with a mobilization order.